Going Cold Read online

  She pulled him down, and he met her halfway for a kiss that scorched her senses and started the low throb between her thighs again. She stopped moving with the music and pressed herself against him.

  He groaned. “You are very bad for my self-control.”

  “I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.” She smiled slightly.

  He gave her an amused look. “It depends who is trying to get between you and me. For them, it would be an unpleasant thing.”

  She smiled. “So, what is the export of Kadar? Your father was very vague on that.”

  He smiled. “Assassins.”

  “Ah. That does explain it. Your mother trains them?”

  He nodded. “She does. I am fairly sure that she still occasionally tries to kill my father, but he is resistant to that.”

  “The entire avatar thing.”

  “Correct.”

  She cocked her head. “So, are the rest of the Kadar like you?”

  He snorted. “No. Against standard odds, my parents had me while my father was already an avatar. It was awkward in my first few years when I kept teleporting around the globe.”

  “Aww. You teleported as a baby?”

  “Yes, and my father had to chase me around and keep me from starving as I popped around the world. My mother may be deadly, but she does care, and my early years made her panic when I am out of her sight.”

  “And then you had to choose a life in the stars.”

  He nodded. “Well, you weren’t going to come to me under normal circumstances, so this was the best way to find you.”

  “Find me?”

  He nodded. “Twenty-two months ago, you suffered a fatal injury, but you were revived.”

  She stopped and stepped away from him. “How do you know that?”

  He wrinkled his brow. “I felt it. It was like you lit up to my senses at that moment. Suddenly, I was not facing the rest of my life alone.”

  She looked at him, remembered the impact that had stopped her heart and the agony of waking after it had been restarted.

  Hesker pressed her hand to her chest and rubbed where the contact burn had been. “It... I didn’t like it.”

  He stepped toward her. “May I hold you?”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  He hugged her and stroked her hair. “You had been filled with ice, and then, you died, and the ice began to thaw. That is when I spoke with the imperial house to try and find you, and that is when your avatar started looking for you. You were difficult to find, but they were able to enter you into the Reset Project.”

  She snuffled and then said, “Good thing, too. My body looked older than your mother’s.”

  “I have seen your file. Your hair was much shorter, your body covered with scars, but your soul was still within. There is that tiny kernel of hope that I hope to help grow into a glowing blaze. It sparks behind your eyes.”

  Hesker paused. “But why do you want to be with me?”

  He smiled. “I am older than this form appears, and it is easier for me to imagine the rest of my existence with you than it is to breathe.”

  She stroked his neck with her thumb. “I am beginning to think of you and the stars at one time. You have equal weight in my imagination.”

  “What do you imagine?”

  She shrugged. “Right now, just you with me. I believe that my fantasies will evolve with time. It has only been just over a week after all.”

  He smiled. “True, but I feel like I have known you for years.”

  She nodded. “I understand, but I don’t. I am starting everything new and am making an attempt to draw a line between my past and my future.”

  “As long as I am in the image of your future, I am content to wait until you let me into your present.”

  “I was willing to let you into my present today, but you chose to be all sensible and engage in foreplay instead. Ah, the choices you make.”

  “You would leap into bed with me, and we would stay there for weeks until you had figured out every touch and sensation and could play it back at another time. I don’t want that. I want you to see me and feel anticipation, excitement, and joy.”

  “That is expecting a lot from a simple look. Are you willing to take on the burden of earning it?”

  He nodded solemnly. “I am. Are you willing to look at me with that gleam in your eyes for the rest of your days?”

  “I am, as long as you don’t give me reason to change my mind.”

  “Ah, the pressure is on.” He smiled. “Good. I haven’t had a challenge in quite some time.”

  “You look pleased with the prospect.” She stroked her thumb along the pulse of his throat.

  “I am. Very.”

  “Why?” Hesker wrinkled her nose. “It is something that a lot of men would run from.”

  “Ah, but you haven’t tried to kill me yet. That must mean something.”

  “I have already said it. I trust you. Trust is not something I give lightly, but you have earned it.”

  “How? I want to know for future reference.”

  She went up on her toes to brush her lips against his. “You let me fight off your mother. You trusted me to defend myself, and that was enough to win me over. It was the tipping point for my relating to you.”

  They tangled in another kiss, and she slid both arms around his neck, hanging gently from him with her body pressed to his. She leaned back and said, “Congratulations on your self-control. I have decided to leave mine behind me when it comes to matters such as these. More burden on you.”

  He let out a ragged sigh. “You are having fun with tormenting me.”

  She nodded her head. “A little bit, yes.”

  He grinned. “Good. Fun has been in short supply in your life, and I intend to change that.”

  “I think I might let you.” She smiled and gave him a quick kiss before they got back to the serious business of training her to know the formalities of the Adru-Skari.

  Krin was summoned, and he gave her some insight into what to expect. If someone tried to lick her, it meant they considered her family. If they tried to bite her, they were trying to kill her.

  She smiled at Krin. “These little subtleties make all the difference. Thank you, Krin.”

  “It is my pleasure, Dame Hesker. My family can be a little boisterous, but they mean well. Once we get to the Tah family compound, you will be perfectly safe and secure.”

  Hesker smiled. “We will see.”

  She carried the box into the council hall, and the male and female councillors murmured in approval as she stepped through the centre of the chamber and walked to the speaker.

  The clothing that she was wearing barely concealed any changes in pigment or terrain. Her hair was up in an elegant twist, and it cascaded down over her right shoulder.

  She walked forward, and the speaker came out to meet her. “Greetings to the speaker of Reuval. I am bringing a gift from the heirs to the Nyal Imperial throne.”

  “We are not members of the Imperium.” The speaker raised her brows.

  “The heirs are aware of this, but with this system being strategic and Makuada Station is a hub, it is considered important for them to remain on good terms with Reuval.”

  There was an amused murmur throughout the room.

  She unlocked the box with a wave of her hand and stepped back.

  The golden, serpentine woman opened the box and removed the scroll. She read it and blinked, looking up at Hesker. “Really?”

  “If it has been written, then they will do it.”

  Speaker Kornth spoke loudly. “The full document will be available, but the summation is that the imperial heirs are offering to install a guardian base here and include a genetic variety from across their empire.” She paused. “They are also offering us a genetic archive of talents if there are any of our people who want to have a child with a high chance of talent, bringing it into our bloodlines.”

/>   The council was shocked, but it was a good shock.

  Speaker Kornth smiled. “Thank you, courier. You have provided information that we will need to address.”

  Hesker nodded. “I am aware that the Tah family has a guardian in their ranks and several talents. You may want to consult with them.”

  A man chuckled and stood. “She will discuss it with us, I am sure.”

  Hesker smiled. “Good afternoon, Melkin-tah.”

  “Good afternoon, Dame Hesker. Are you coming to dinner?”

  “I am. The captain, commander, and lieutenants are waiting outside, as per protocol.”

  “I will see you then.” There was a lazy interest in his gaze.

  She looked at him and fought a laugh. She kept her face bland. “More than likely.”

  The speaker looked at her. “You are staying overnight?”

  “Yes, the Tah family has offered to host us.”

  “I will see if I can gain an invitation. You are fascinating and unique in appearance.”

  The intense interest in her made Hesker blink. “I am not. I am the same species as Melkin-tah’s mother.”

  The council murmured wildly.

  Melkin grinned. “Now you have done it. They had no idea that Terrans came in other colours. They are all about fashion.”

  She smiled slightly. “Speaker, I will take my leave of you. I hope that your council enjoys their debate.”

  “Dame Hesker, thank you for your service.” The speaker’s gaze moved over Hesker’s gown.

  She bowed, turned, and walked toward the council room door. The guards on the interior of the door opened it for her as she walked out, and when she was in the hall with her guards, they formed up around her and headed to the vehicle. They were driven through the streets and to the Tah compound.

  Hesker watched the people on the sidewalks, all in various shades of gold, silver, or green. Their hair was a full-on rainbow in variety. They were a very good-looking species.

  When they got through the city and entered the Tah property, Krin was smiling brightly. “They are all home.”

  Hesker figured out what he meant when four men and women who resembled Krin spilled out of the huge entryway. An older couple walked out after what had to be their offspring.

  Valat murmured, “Melia and Dornin-tah.”

  Hesker nodded. “Got it.”

  Krin bolted out of the vehicle the moment that it stopped and ran to embrace his family.

  Captain Adonai-Avedis chuckled. “He is never going to live that down.”

  “The Adru-Skari don’t travel much. The fact that he is a guardian and out and about in the universe is a huge deal.” She felt it necessary to defend Krin.

  They exited the vehicle, and servants from the house came and got their overnight bags.

  Hesker put her hand on the back of Valat’s wrist, and they walked toward the Tah family. She chuckled at the exuberant hugging that they engaged in.

  Melia and Dornin approached. Melia smiled. “Dame Hesker, it is nice to meet you. Krin speaks highly of you.”

  “He speaks fondly of all of you as well. I believe that he is relieved that he gets to work with another Terran.”

  Melia paused. “You are Terran?”

  “I am. I am part of a new branch of the Volunteer Proj—”

  She was cut off as Melia grabbed her in a hug.

  The hug was a surprise, but Hesker returned it. She could feel the ache to see one of her own species. She understood it. Hesker didn’t feel it herself, but she guessed at what was going on in Melia’s mind.

  When the other woman released her, Hesker smiled. “Feel better?”

  “Much. I thought you were Nyal with those eyes and hair.”

  Hesker nodded. “That is the idea. I am supposed to blend in, but everyone insists on announcing that I am a Terran, and things are getting weird. Mind you, all of my entourage is from different species on different worlds.”

  Melia linked her arm through Hesker’s and pulled her into the house, where there was literally a fountain in the entryway.

  Hesker looked around and noted that none of the others were with them.

  Melia pulled her through to an elegant garden where there was a full tea set out, taking up several tables with enough chairs to accommodate everyone when they arrived.

  “So, you are Terran. Do you have a mate?”

  Hesker pulled back her sleeve. “I do. Commander Harikoth Valat.”

  “I don’t know that band or the designs in it.”

  Hesker nodded. “They are Kadar. He is Kadar.”

  Melia paused. “What?”

  “I am sure you heard me. Valat is Kadar. Literally. In every sense of the word. His father is the avatar, and his mother is... hostile.”

  Melia blinked. “Wow. I have never heard of an outsider being allowed to marry into the Kadar.”

  Hesker smiled slowly. “I am an exception.”

  “So, you have been there?”

  “I have. I know on Earth we talk about mothers-in-law, but Harina tried to murder me.”

  The rest of the group caught up to them, and Valat came up to her, pulling her to her feet and whispering in her ear. “I have gotten a call. I will be back before dinner. Will you miss me while I am gone?”

  Hesker pulled his head down and kissed him wildly. Her tongue duelled with his, and when he lifted his head, his chest was heaving and his eyes were hot.

  “I will see you when you return, and we can discuss the present.” She stepped back.

  He looked at her, pulled her against him, and kissed her as his darkness flowed out of him and wrapped around them both. He righted her, stepped away, and disappeared.

  Hesker sighed, sat down, and poured herself a cup of tea. She looked at Melia with a bright smile. “Any more questions?”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Summoned Death is your husband?” Melia squeaked.

  Dornin sat near his wife. “Calm, Mel. Remain calm.”

  “Yes. Well, he is my mate. We haven’t really had the ceremony that he has always dreamed of. Apparently, we have skipped a few important traditions.” There were only a few items on the table that were not safe for her.

  Melia blinked. “But... Summoned Death is your mate.”

  Hesker looked to Krin. “Is that the appropriate description?”

  Krin nodded. “It is. Yes, Mom. Hesker is Summoned Death’s mate. It is disconcerting to watch them together.”

  The captain shuddered.

  Yish grinned, adding, “He does her hair every day and picks out her clothing.”

  Hesker blushed slightly. “I am never sure what is appropriate for what.”

  Melia blinked. “Right. That makes sense.”

  Krin chuckled. “She has been out of the tank for just over two weeks now. She is learning quickly.”

  Dornin looked from his son to Hesker. “Is this accurate? You are only two weeks from the tank?”

  “Yes. I was in the tank for a few weeks, maybe months or more, and when I was pulled out, I coughed, spluttered, and was sent off for fittings suitable for an Imperium representative. It was on the shuttle and off to Nyal.” She sipped at her tea and nibbled at one of the sandwiches she had identified as safe. “So, Melia-tah, you are in charge of imports on Reuval?” She nibbled, and the other woman smiled slowly.

  “So, we are done speaking of you? Fine. Yes, I manage imports and assist with exports.” She glanced over at her husband and flapped her hand. “He works with the military.”

  Dornin sighed; Krin snickered. This was apparently a long-standing opinion.

  “I am sorry that I had to leave during the twins’ birthday party last month. There was an incursion around the station.”

  Melia wrinkled her nose. “Thank you. That is the first time you have actually apologized.”

  He took his wife’s hand and kissed it. “I am very sorry that I missed half of the party. I will be
g forgiveness on my knees at a more appropriate moment.”

  Hesker’s eyes went wide, and Krin clapped a hand over his own.

  She sipped her tea and watched the couple flirting. It was interesting, and she tilted her head slightly.

  There was a murmur near the doors, and heads turned as Melkin-tah arrived at home.

  Hesker set her teacup down as he approached her. He bowed formally. “Dame Hesker. It is delightful to see you in my family home.”

  Dornin’s eyes widened as Melkin reached for her. Hesker knew what was coming thanks to Krin’s and Valat’s warning, so when his hand turned slightly, she gripped his wrist, twisted it, kicked out at the back of his knee, and she pressed her knuckles to his throat. “I am not for you, Melkin-tah.”

  His eyes widened, and he stared behind her.

  She smiled. “Did something very scary just arrive?”

  He nodded.

  She turned and jumped into Valat’s arms. “I was demonstrating self-defence.”

  “Mmhm.” He held her close, and his shadows receded, leaving him standing in his Imperium uniform with her in his arms. “Councillor Melkin-tah, I am Harikoth Valat of Kadar, and this is my mate, Hesker of Terra ell Kadar.”

  Melia frowned. “I don’t know that conjunction.”

  Hesker smiled. “I think that is the new one they are thinking about for the resets. It means altered to match a Kadar.”

  “Resets?”

  “Yes, let’s just say that I am older than I look, but I was also physiologically open to having my body rewritten to be altered into something a little more suitable.”

  Melkin slowly stood up. “How old are you?”

  “Older than your mother.” She bit her lip at his surprised expression.

  The other Tah siblings surrounded them, and she leaned back into Valat. He kept his arms around her and stopped her from striking any of the very friendly family.

  The Tahs surrounded them, and Valat excused them for a moment, taking her to a shadowed corner of the wide patio and holding her. He stroked her cheek. “They are exuberant, aren’t they?”

  She nodded and sighed as he held her. “I feel a little tense. I really didn’t want Melkin to try touching me. I have no idea of the vrasku thing was going to set or not, but I didn’t want to be scratched, and he had a very determined look in his eyes.”